Native Fashion Now Celebrates Native American Art With An Exhibit In New York

The acclaimed art exhibit, Native Fashion Now has made its final destination and is now on display at the National Museum of the American Indian In New York. Originally hosted at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA, the exhibition has also toured Portland, OR, and Tulsa, OK before the unveiling during New York Fashion Week.

It features nearly 70 works that delve into the vitality of Native fashion designers and artists. Contemporary apparel, accessories and footwear are on display spanning a variety of categories and materials.

Native Fashion Now observes the visual range, creative expression and efforts to create distinction of Native American fashion. It is also the first show to highlight the evolving, and increasingly noticeable relationship between fashion and creativity in Native culture. Notable designers include Lloyd “Kiva” New who worked with Donna Karan on a couture collection, and Project Runway alum, Patricia Michaels.

The exhibit is divided into four themes: Pathbreakers, Revisitors, Activators and Provocateurs. The themes reflect how the artists respond to ideas and trends in the world of Native fashion. Pathbreakers are the groundbreakers, while Revisitors renew and expand on tradition. Activators support a personal style that connects with today’s trends and politics. And Provacateurs deviate from standard fashion to create works that are experimental. Native Fashion Now runs through September 4, 2017 as is made possible through support provided by The Coby Foundation Ltd. and Ameriprise Financial.